SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
As one of the founders of UNICO back in 1988, I was reminiscing how we came to use the name “UNICO.” Since we had many partners, it was going to be difficult to put everyone’s name on the billboard. (Glad we didn’t do that) We needed something simple, something uniting,; strong; and meaningful, that would define our culture as an organization made up of people that worked together in becoming a great team. While traveling in Italy several years ago, I saw a “UNICO” road sign which actually means “One Way” in Italian. Upon further review, I found that “UNI” comes from the Latin “UNUS” meaning “one” and the “CO” obviously, stands for company. After trying to resurrect some of my old Latin studies from the 9th and 10th grades, and someone who likes to have lots of options and FUN, we “passed” on “ANUCO.” For context, “Anus” is Latin for “ring” or “circle” as we were thinking big by trying to include our “Ring of co-workers along with our “Circles of Influence” or connections. (Our competitors thought we were big in other ways) Fortunately, “UNICO” won out in the end, (another play on words)) because we believed in building an organization that was unified and whole, (I know what you are thinking) by unifying the forces of two agencies.
Enough with the vain attempt at humor already. UNICO means “United or unified as One” and it is my hope it will continue to prosper and flourish well into the future. While UNICO seems to be thriving and progressing, my concern is for our nation, our families, and our way of life. I take very seriously, the old saying; “United We Stand, Divided We Fall” which Winston Churchill used on June 6, 1941. This was shortly after the Germans had stopped their bombing campaign against the British and was a “call to arms” in rallying the British people. “By working together, we can be successful.” However, one thing Churchill didn’t say, when he echoed these remarks, was; “If we fight each other we will fail.” That is NOT unity and is something we need to take more seriously in our country today as we are fast becoming a country that is devouring itself from within by the way we treat each other. We need capable leaders and not power-hungry, greedy, “it is all about me” thinkers or actors. This is not a game. This is REAL where integrity, competence, unity, common sense, responsibility and accountability have gone out the window. Don’t wait for something big to happen to force us to unify. Start with yourself.
Let your mind run wild as you think about the many times “Unity” would be a much better solution than trying to go it alone in your own life. Unity is needed for survival. It is up to each of us to face evil together and fight negative things. Don’t be fooled by having others define for you “what is evil and what is good.” Evil may look good to you and may fool you into thinking that it is just what you need. Try being a little more discerning about your thoughts, your actions, and how you treat other people. Unity is harmony, alliance, oneness, solidarity, union, and goodness. Be an independent thinker but find common ground so that both sides can be heard. Don’t follow like sheep, those who professes to be the authority on all things or think they are the best-looking candidate. Question authority and work with others that have a unified vision and commitment to Godly principles in life. Remember; this country is still a Constitutional Republic which means the Government’s power is derived from its people. Not a King or the media.
The keys to unity in any situation are humility, gentleness, patience, love, and zeal. (“great energy and enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective”) Ignore those that sow disharmony, discord, chaos, and dissension and “think for yourself.” If you want to achieve unity in your own life, try these basic steps:
- Clearly define your goals: You can use this for your faith, with your family and in your career.
- Clearly define your roles: Are you playing your position or are you out of bounds? (Try some Self-Awareness) Check out the keys to your unity and work on them to become more focused on the end game in life. Don’t forget your own priorities and responsibilities along the way.
- Clearly establish trust: Take those along with you that bring a positive, loving approach to the world. “We can’t always get what we want,” so start with the basics; by focusing on and fighting for others, rather than worrying about yourself. It will be good for your health.
- Encourage open communication: Be NICE about it but be firm. LISTEN to and respect others. Remember; It’s not about you anyway.
- Practice: You will not grow unless you continue to do the right things. Remember, don’t be insane, delusional, or irrational by doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results. Try new ways of building stronger and deeper relationships. That takes commitment, accountability, vulnerability, and encouragement both to and from others.
The Bible reminds us to “encourage one another.” (that means you had better start by loving one another) Keep thinking “One nation under God.” Start with your own family. Practice truth, beauty, and goodness to bring about your own personal unity. It will be the start of something big.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day; “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” Martin Luther King